Prawaas 5.0 Draws to a Close, Marking BOCI's Milestone Decade in India's Transport Industry

Gandhinagar — The fifth iteration of Prawaas wrapped up today, marking the end of a three-day gathering that showcased exhibitions, panel discussions, the Bharat Prawaas Awards 2026, and extensive industry networking. The event reinforced its standing as India's premier forum for the passenger transport sector, particularly significant as it coincided with the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) completing a decade of operations. This milestone edition convened representatives spanning government agencies, private industry, and the broader mobility sector to chart a collective path forward for passenger transport in India.

On the final day, Shri Pravinbhai Mali, Transport Minister of Gujarat, toured the exhibition floor and engaged with exhibitors, operators, and industry figures. Shri Dineshbhai Makwana, Member of Parliament representing Ahmedabad, also made an appearance, underscoring the political establishment's backing for India's passenger transport industry.

The scale of participation underscored the event's growing importance. Prawaas 5.0 recorded 20,129 registrations across 227 exhibitor booths, with 20 startups in attendance. The conference component featured 15 separate sessions with 120 speakers addressing various aspects of the sector. Participants hailed from all 31 states and union territories of India, plus representatives from 11 other nations. Throughout the three days, attendees engaged in business-to-business meetings, examined new technologies, witnessed product demonstrations, and participated in knowledge-sharing forums.

The closing ceremony brought together BOCI's leadership structure: Shri Jagdeo Singh Khalsa (Chairman), Shri Prasanna Patwardhan (President), Shri Alah Baksh Afzal (National Vice President), Shri Dharmaraj D. R. (General Secretary), Shri Harsh Kotak (Treasurer), alongside Shri Siddiq Gandhi (Prawaas 5.0 Convenor) and Shri Jagdish Patankar (Executive Chairman of MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd., the event's curatorial partner). These leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India's transport ecosystem through sustained partnership, technological advancement, and engagement with policy frameworks.

Two memoranda of understanding were formalized during the proceedings. One partnership between Rotary International District 3080 and BOCI Naari, the confederation's women's division, seeks to roll out the 'Women at the Steering Wheel' programme, targeting the training, licensing, job placement, and entrepreneurial support of women professional drivers throughout India. A second agreement between Rotary International District 3080 and BOCI itself addresses driver mental health and family wellbeing, alongside road safety consciousness initiatives.

Recognition was extended to exhibitors through dedicated awards honouring their contributions, creative approaches, and excellence in presenting mobility solutions.

Patwardhan, speaking as BOCI's President, reflected on the moment: "With BOCI entering its second decade, Prawaas 5.0 demonstrates how teamwork, technological innovation and forward-thinking governance are reshaping India's passenger mobility landscape. These three days have created a unified space where operators, government officials, vehicle manufacturers, tech firms and business founders have exchanged perspectives, forged alliances and investigated approaches to meet the sector's shifting requirements. The enthusiasm and engagement displayed this year signal a shared determination to establish a passenger transport system that is more secure, more intelligent and more environmentally responsible—aligned with the nation's development aspirations."

A centrepiece of this year's programme was the Bharat Prawaas Awards 2026, which recognised 72 individuals and organisations. The honours comprised 50 BOCI Excellence Awards alongside 22 redBus People's Choice Awards, celebrating standout achievements in operational performance, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, accident prevention, and customer satisfaction within India's passenger transport sphere.

The 15 conference sessions facilitated discussions among government policymakers, transport regulators, corporate executives and field operators on topics spanning vehicle electrification, legislative modernization, cross-modal transport integration, funding mechanisms, technological adoption, traffic accident reduction, leisure travel services, risk management, workforce development, and emerging ventures. These conversations underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts in constructing a modern, resilient passenger transport network.

The successful conclusion of Prawaas 5.0's fifth edition leaves in its wake newly established collaborations, fresh insights, and strengthened resolve to advance India's passenger mobility sector. As BOCI observes a decade of service to the industry, the event stands as evidence of the shared objectives driving the sector toward a safer, more technologically sophisticated and environmentally sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by BOCI, hosted by Akhil Gujarat Pravasi Vahan Sanchalak Mahamandal, co-hosted by the Gujarat Luxury Cab Owners Association and the Gujarat Tourist Vehicles Operators Association, and curated by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd., collectively demonstrating the collaborative spirit advancing India's transport sector.